Food Information

Proper nutrition is essential for good health and effective learning

We aim to:

• provide a consistent programme of cross-curricular nutrition education that enables pupils to make informed choices without guilt or anxiety.

• provide a ‘whole school, whole day’ approach to nutrition that makes the ‘healthier choices, easier choices’. This encompasses all food served in school, including that served at After School Club.

• work in partnership with catering staff to ensure that nutritional standards are implemented by providing attractive, value for money meals that are appropriate to local needs.

• work in partnership to achieve a pleasant and sociable dining experience which enhances the social development of each pupil.
• involve pupils and parents in decision making.

We aim to promote healthy & balanced eating by:

• encouraging pupils to choose a variety of foods to ensure a balanced intake in line with the national nutrition guide – ‘The Balance of Good Health’ and the nutritional standards.
• encouraging foods which are rich in vitamins, iron and calcium, in particular fruit, vegetables, meat, beans, bread and low fat dairy products.
• encouraging starchy foods as a source of energy (such as bread, pasta, rice and potatoes) rather than fatty foods.
• encouraging fruit juices, lower fat milk and sugar-free drinks.
• discouraging sugary drinks and less healthy snacks between meals.
• encouraging pupils to eat fruit and vegetables they have grown.

School Catering:

We believe that the subtle messages that pupils receive about food and health from the daily life of school are as important as those given during lessons, eg school menus, peer pressure to eat certain snacks in packed lunches.  By working together, we promote healthier eating habits.

• Termly theme days are linked to curriculum areas or calendar events.
• All children are given a portion of vegetables as part of their meals.  They are encouraged to try some, even if it is a small portion.
• Due to the large difference in calorie requirements between infants and juniors, portion sizes are adjusted accordingly.
• Free fruit and vegetables are available for children in Reception and Key Stage 1 at morning break times.
• All children in Reception and Key Stage 1 are encouraged to take advantage of the Universal Infant Free School Meals.
• Each term, a school meal menu plan is sent home to every family and is available on the school website. School meal updates are sent via parent-mail each week. Any changes from the planned menu are always highlighted.

Home Packed Lunches:

A guidance leaflet is sent out to parents on the advised content of packed lunches.

Mid-morning Snack:

In consultation with parents it has been agreed that the only snack children can bring to school is fresh fruit and vegetables only. (No processed fruit snacks). Children may bring a snack for break time, this must be fruit or vegetables. This promotes healthy eating.

Drinks policy

• Children are encouraged to drink water at school particularly after PE, active play and in hot weather.
• Water is provided to fill individual water bottles.

Vegetarians and Vegans:

A vegetarian and vegan option is offered for lunch every day. Vegetarians/Vegans are catered for at Breakfast and After School Club.

Food Allergy and Intolerance:

Individual care plans are created for pupils with food allergies. These document symptoms and adverse reactions, actions to be taken in an emergency, and emergency contact details. All staff are vigilant around children with allergies/intolerances. We have a comprehensive medical list which is updated regularly. School caterers and all school staff are made aware of any food allergies/food intolerance. All allergy information is prominently displayed in the school kitchen. We are a nut free school. The school does not purchase or use products which may contain nuts, including chocolate spread: all products purchased for Night Owls are checked. Parents are informed that pupils should not bring nuts or peanut butter products in their packed lunches.

Food Safety:

Natasha’s Law – effective from 1^st October 2021.

It requires all food outlets to provide full ingredient lists with clear allergen labelling on Pre-Packed for Direct Sale foods (PPDS). All products are supplied using the new labelling system this includes any food for wrap around care.

Appropriate food safety precautions are taken when food is prepared and stored. These vary according to the food on offer and include: ensuring that adequate storage and washing facilities are available, that food handlers undergo appropriate food hygiene training, and that suitable equipment and protective clothing are available. Any food safety hazards are identified and controlled.

School Ethos, Environment and Organisation:

The school recognises:

• the importance of lunchtime organisation on the behaviour of pupils. 

• the value of promoting social skills.

Teachers, caterers and mid-day supervisors work together to create a good dining room ambience and the development of appropriate table manners.

Non-teaching staff are supported by the school behaviour policy.

Free School Meals:

The school recognises the particular value of school meals to children from low-income families.  The system for free school meals is actively promoted to parents of children in Key Stage 2 and a non-discriminatory process is emphasised.

Children in Reception and Key Stage 1 are encouraged to take up the offer of Universal Infant Free School Meals. This includes the provision of a free packed lunch during school trips. School meals are promoted during the New Intake Parents Evening.

Treats and Rewards:

To ensure consistent messages, sweets are not used as rewards. Children that have a birthday are now celebrating having a non-uniform day should they so wish. This replaces cakes and sweets being bought into school.

Food in the curriculum:

• The National Nutrition Guide – ‘The Balance of Good Health’ is used across the curriculum.  Pupils are given the opportunity to apply this to school meals/packed lunches.
• Pupils are given the opportunity to taste, touch, smell and feel a variety of foods.
• Multicultural aspects of food are explored and linked with school meal theme days.

Our school meals are freshly prepared on site using fresh ingredients. Meals are designed to be nutritionally balanced throughout the week, and at a cost of £2.53 per meal we believe they are good value.

School meals are free to pupils in Reception, Year One and Year Two, funded by the government.

Meals for older children can be paid through the school office by cash or cheque payable to Suffolk County Council  (in a named envelope please). Alternatively they can be paid online by debit or credit card - please follow the link below. The minimum online payment is £12.65 (5 meals). Many people prefer to pay for 10, 20 or even a half term's meals at a time, depending on how often your child has a school meal. The school office will let you know if your payment has run out and money is owed.

For all year groups - if you are on low income or certain benefits you may be entitled to free meals and the school could receive an extra grant to support learning. We would get the grant even if your child is under 7 and does not have to pay for meals. Please check to find out if you could apply.